Understanding Artist Roles when releasing a song or album

When you release a song or album through UnitedMasters, it’s important to correctly assign artist roles. Each role tells music services who contributed to the track and how. Getting these details right ensures that everyone receives proper credit.

Primary Artist

Who this is:
The main performer(s) responsible for the single or album.

When to use it:

• You are the main artist (you will automatically be credited as a main artist for your submissions - no need to add it manually).

• It's a collaboration where multiple artists share performance, called Dual Primary or Additional Primary Artists. For example, "Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars"

Dual Primary or Additional Primary Artists for UnitedMasters: Artists can add up to 2 additional primary artists to the track. SELECT and PARTNER artists can add it directly on the app on iOS on individual tracks and/or the overall release when creating a release submission. For other membership tiers or sources, artists can request additional primary artists to be added via the Support team.

IMPORTANT
Primary Artists appear directly on the main track and album credits across streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and more.

Featured Artist

Who this is:
An artist who makes a guest appearance on a track, but isn’t the main artist.

When to use it:

• Someone is performing a verse, chorus, or another noticeable part of the song.

Important:

• Featured Artists are shown in the song credits, but not always in the album credits, depending on the platform.
• On Apple Music, the featured artist's name will be displayed on the track title. On other platforms, the featured artist will be credited in the artist's name. 

Apple:

Spotify

Understanding Your Role: Primary vs. Featured Artist

Spotify and Apple Music distinguish between primary artists and featured artists based on how the track is submitted through a distributor

• Primary Artist: The track will appear in your main discography if you're credited as a primary artist. You'll have full access to its analytics in your Spotify for Artists dashboard, including streams, saves, playlist additions, and listener demographics. For Apple Music, you'll be able to claim your artist profile on Apple Music for Artists and access detailed analytics such as plays, listeners, song purchases, and Shazam data. You can also manage your profile and view audience trends.

• Featured Artist: If you're credited solely as a featured artist, the track will appear under your profile's "Appears On" section. In this case, you won't have access to detailed analytics for that track in your Spotify for Artists dashboard. For Apple Music, you won’t be able to claim an artist profile or access analytics for that track in Apple Music for Artists.

Producer and Writer

Who they are: 

• Producers: The individuals who create the beat, instrumental, or production for a track.

• Writers: The individuals who compose the lyrics and/or music for a track.

When and how to use it:

• Producers and writers should be credited in the song's metadata ONLY by listing them as a Producer and/or Songwriter when you upload your release.
• Do not list the producer or writer as a Primary Artist unless they are also performing (singing, rapping, etc.).
• Do not add the producer or writer's name in the track title (e.g., formats like "Song Title (Prod. by Producer Name)").

Why it matters:

• Music services (like Apple Music) have strict guidelines about artist roles.

• Adding a producer or songwriter as a Primary Artist without a proper performance role can cause your release to be delayed, rejected, or removed from music services.

References:
Spotify Metadata Style Guide - “Except for soundtracks and musicals, non-performing artists such as composers must not be listed as Main Artist or Featured Artist, unless they are also performers of the content.”​ 

Apple Music Specification 5.3.22 - "The primary role is reserved for the primary (lead) artists. Do not use (this field) for supporting artists or contributors."​

If you have any other questions or need additional assistance, please let us know by submitting a request for support.